Review: DRIVE by Stephanie Fournet
I have loved everything I’ve read from Stephanie Fournet, and DRIVE did not disa[...]
Publisher: Scholastic/Graphix
Release Date: September 1, 2012
Format: Advance Reader Copy
Source: Publisher
Genre: MG, Contemporary, Graphic Novel
Buy: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Indiebound
Raina Telgemeier, the NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author of the Eisner Award winner, SMILE, brings us her next full-color graphic novel . . . DRAMA!
Callie loves theater. And while she would totally try out for her middle school’s production of Moon Over Mississippi, she’s a terrible singer. Instead she’s the set designer for the stage crew, and this year she’s determined to create a set worthy of Broadway on a middle-school budget. But how can she, when she doesn’t know much about carpentry, ticket sales are down, and the crew members are having trouble working together? Not to mention the onstage AND offstage drama that occurs once the actors are chosen, and when two cute brothers enter the picture, things get even crazier! Following the success of SMILE, Raina Telgemeier brings us another graphic novel featuring a diverse set of characters that humorously explores friendship, crushes, and all-around drama! (Goodreads)
DRAMA is such an adorable graphic novel. I had so much fun reading it, and I would have loved this novel in middle grade! I’ve always loved plays/musicals and worked stage crew middle grade through college (doing everything from set building to lighting and sound), so this book is right up my ally, and a treat to read.
DRAMA spans the time frame of Callie’s middle school’s production of Moon Over Mississippi – from the time the musical is chosen through set design, auditions, rehearsals, performances, to the final stage crew meeting. Callie is the set designer, and is determined to make it the best, despite the limited budget. Meanwhile she’s caught up in as much drama off-stage, like new friendships and crushing on the wrong boys.
I loved that this graphic novel is written like a play itself, divided into acts with an intermission and final curtain call! I also appreciated that her novel includes characters that are gay and bisexual, though I do think it was easier for them than it would be in reality.
If you can’t tell from my review, I really enjoyed DRAMA, and highly recommend it for tween girls, or really, any teen (or adult) interested in theater! It’s a fun read full of heart, with great graphics. I look forward to reading Smile, another MG graphic novel by Raina!
Author Links: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads
Ah! I’m so thrilled to see this review! I just read DRAMA this week and I can’t stop thinking about it without breaking out into a major grin. It was my first graphic novel and I feel quite hooked. I was never on stage crew but I have always loved attending the school plays and as an adult, theater is one of my hobbies so it was great to see kids enjoying it! I think Raina is a great artist and does an awesome job of capturing a character’s excitement and lower points too.
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Twitter: kimbacaffeinate
says:
This looks adorable and I know the perfect middle school child who would love it..thanks!
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